Trump Says US Will 'Run' Venezuela After Maduro's Removal
US intervention in Venezuela intensifies after Maduro's capture, aiming for transition and oil sector rebuilding.
US president Donald Trump said the United States will “run” Venezuela following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro, marking a sharp escalation in Washington’s long-running standoff with the South American nation.
Speaking on Saturday, Trump claimed Maduro had been taken into US custody after a military operation, adding that Washington would oversee Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” could be secured. Trump said US oil companies would play a central role in rebuilding Venezuela’s energy sector and economy.
“We can't take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela that doesn't have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind,” Trump said, indicating that a US-led group would temporarily administer the country.
According to Trump, Maduro and his wife arrived at a New York airport late Saturday and are expected to appear in federal court next week. US authorities have not released official details on the operation or the transfer.
Trump compared the operation to past US missions targeting high-profile militant leaders, saying Washington was prepared for further military action if required, including the possible deployment of ground forces.
The New York Times, citing a Venezuelan official, reported that at least 40 people were killed during the attacks, though those figures have not been independently verified.
Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has long been at the center of US sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Trump said American energy firms would invest billions to repair infrastructure and restart oil production.
“The Western Hemisphere is right now a much safer place to be,” Trump said. “It was an attack for justice.”
In Caracas, senior officials condemned the developments. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez described Maduro’s capture as “barbaric” and a “kidnapping,” calling for his immediate return. Defense Minister Diosdado Cabello said Venezuela would resist any foreign military presence.
Venezuelan authorities earlier declared a state of emergency, reporting strikes in Caracas and the regions of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. The government said civilian and military casualties had occurred but did not provide figures.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi later said Maduro and his wife face charges including “narco-terrorism conspiracy” and cocaine trafficking offenses. US officials have repeatedly accused Maduro of links to drug cartels, claims his government denies.
The Federal Aviation Administration suspended US commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity, while American diplomatic missions in the region warned citizens against travel.
The developments risk deepening instability in Venezuela’s decade-long crisis and further straining relations across Latin America, as questions mount over legality, humanitarian impact and the future of governance in the oil-rich nation.